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The Significance of 6 Different Labels in Packaging Industry

Updated: Mar 9, 2023


Courtesy of ITU CHAUDHURI DESIGN

For many different types of products across numerous industries, the packaging is the main factor in their appeal. Specific types of products are given personality and an identity by the vibrant colors and sharp graphics printed on a variety of different materials. The packaging that surrounds their products is something that the companies take very seriously. The labels are frequently the client's first point of contact, and that is one thing that stays in the client's memory after the fact.


Labeling, which enables product identification, is a component of branding. It is a printed item that is attached to the product for identification, draws customers' attention, and provides thorough information about the item. Customers can quickly make a decision at the point of sale by looking at the product label. The labels are affixed to the product package to provide details such as the product's manufacturer, date of manufacture, expiration date, ingredients, instructions for use, and handling. There aren't many symbols on labels that indicate product certifications, trademarks, or purchase proof. These icons represent functions for consumer use and safety. Using enticing language could make people who are just walking by stop and consider the product. The label is possibly the first thing new customers would see and hence offer their first impression of the product.


Many different packaging labels are used with a wide range of different products. We've listed a few well-liked options along with some examples of the products they are used for.


Shrink Labels

Also known as "shrink wrap" and "shrink sleeve labels." These labels are printed on polymer plastic film that is heated to shrink the film to the product, regardless of its shape, and then folds over the entire container or product. For large batches, the product and the film may be heated using a hand-held gun or by passing through a heat tunnel while being transported on a conveyor belt. These are essentially the ideal fusion of distinctive container shapes and powerful graphics. This method is frequently applied to products with unusual shapes. Additionally, these labels are durable for a variety of products due to their resistance to weather and abrasion. They are typically offered in a wide range of colors with either a glossy or matte finish. They are most commonly seen in bottled beverage market or household product containers.


Pressure – Sensitive Labels

One of the most versatile and fundamental types of labels that people probably think of when they consider a name is the pressure-sensitive label. They can be found in the commercial district. These can label any type of bottle, tube, or jar and work well with almost any combination of printing techniques. It is made of face stock, a liner, and an adhesive that is typically water-based. They may be permanent labels that cannot be removed without damaging the product's surface, without the use of solvents, or with varying degrees of peelability. Applying the labels by hand or machine is simple. The pressure-sensitive labels are typically printed digitally, which makes them more affordable and flexible.


In Mold Labels

The term "in mold labelling" refers specifically to the process of inserting a preprinted polypropylene (PP) label into a mold. At that point, the final product's shape is taken by the mold. like the design of a butter tub. The mold is then filled with the liquid PP at that point. It melds with the label and assumes the mold's shape as it dries. During assembly or when the product is combined, the paper or plastic labels are molded to the container.


In-mold labeling can be completed using one of three production techniques, including blow molding, injection molding, or thermoforming, so adhesives are not required. The in-mold labels give the impression that they are a part of the container rather than sticking out from its surface. These labels are frequently used on very large run applications, such as for bottles of liquid laundry detergent, as they are typically more durable than the other labels. They are useful for warning labels as well because of their durability.


Die Cut Labels

Die-cut labels frequently have a unique outline or shape that is made to order. Custom shapes are cut using a press and a die during the die-cutting process. Oftentimes, these labels have distinctive shapes for branding or other visual factors. Every label is made using a label die. The face material/stock, adhesive, and liner are the three separate components that make up the label materials sheet. When the label material moves through the press, the die cuts through the adhesive and the stock. The liner, however, is not cut through by the die. The backing materials are supported by the liner. It is what you use to apply the individual labels. Additionally, specially shaped containers, label panels, and packaging can all use die-cut labels.


Thermal Labels

The heat-sensitive media used in thermal labels and direct thermal labels is synthetically treated to darken when it comes into contact with the printhead's warm surface. Instead of using ink, toner, or ribbons to create the label, a heating element shaped like words or images is applied directly to the label material during the printing process. The lack of durability of these thermal labels makes it difficult to read the message because the label may change color again or fade over time when exposed to additional heat. The simplicity of thermal printers is renowned. The direct thermal printed labels typically have a limited usable time but are not suitable for conditions that expose them to long periods of daylight, heat, or abrasion. The material will become opaque and obscure the content or barcode if the label is overexposed to heat, light, or other catalysts. So, lifetime identification applications don't use direct thermal printing. Shipping, pharmaceuticals, price tags, food and bakeries, barcodes, and product labeling all use thermal labels.


Thermal Transfer Label

When a direct thermal label is not suitable, perhaps because the labeled item will be kept close to a heat source, thermal transfer labels are used instead. With thermal transfer printing, a heated ribbon is used to create dependable and long-lasting images and text on a variety of materials. The ink from the ribbon is heated by a thermal printhead and melted into the material. The thermal transfer labels are less fragile and have a longer lifespan. Either wax and resin, wax, or only resin are used in the ribbons. The crisp, frequently glossy printed surface of thermal transfer printed labels effectively serves as a distinguishing feature. The hard, frequently sleek, printed surface of thermal transfer printed labels makes them simple to identify. For the highest level of scanability and readability, it conveys premium text, graphic, and standardized tag print quality. These thermal transfer labels' only drawback is that they cost more than direct thermal labels. The thermal transfer labels may be used for event tickets, name tags, shipping labels, and receipts.


For more information about Digital Printing Solution contact your local Dynagraph representative.


Source: https://www.packaging-labelling.com/articles/the-significance-of-6-different-labels-in-packaging-industry


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